|
|
Core Science Systems
Data about Earth and its resources are only useful if available in a format that is understandable and accessible. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides the Nation with ready access to natural science information that supports smart decisions about how to respond to natural risks and manage natural resources. Core Science Systems includes the following programs: Biological Informatics Program, National Geospatial Program, Core Science Informatics, Libraries, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, and National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program.
Help shape the future of USGS science by weighing in on our Science Strategy planning process.
Core Science Systems
The mission of the Biological Informatics Program is to create the informatics framework, provide the scientific content, and develop the public and private partnerships needed for the understanding and stewardship of our Nation's biological resources. The Biological Informatics Program provides credible, applicable, unbiased information for science-based decision-making, particularly as it pertains to the conservation, management, and use of the Nation's biological resources.
|
The National Geospatial Program (NGP) organizes, maintains, and publishes the geospatial baseline of the Nation's topography, natural landscape, and built environment. The baseline is The National Map, a set of databases of map data and information from which customers can download data and derived map products and use web-based map services. Through the Geospatial Liaison Network, the NGP works with cooperators to share the costs of acquiring and maintaining these geospatial data. The National Atlas of the United States of America®, the small-scale component of The National Map, fosters an understanding of broad geographic patterns, trends, and conditions useful for national assessments. The Federal Geographic Data Committee promotes consistent data and metadata standards, system interoperability, and cross-government best business practices for geospatial resources, policies, standards, and technology as part of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure. |
Core Science Informatics
Core Science Informatics (CSI) coordinates and develops data integration services, capacity, and framework for Bureau science programs. Incorporating the Community for Data Integration and the Powell Center, CSI supports identification and development of best practices and standards to ensure efficiencies and innovation. Through a network of data consultants, CSI works with USGS science programs, partners, and industry to create new paradigms for accessing, integrating, visualizing, and delivering USGS data and information.
|
The USGS Library program supports all of the fundamental scientific research conducted within the USGS. The library serves both internal and external users with comprehensive access to the literature, data, and information necessary to understand the mission areas of the USGS and make critical decisions about how to proceed with research initiatives and investigations in the earth and natural sciences.
|
The National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program (NCGMP) produces accurate geologic maps and 3-D geologic frameworks that provide critical data for sustaining and improving the quality of life and economic vitality of the Nation. Geologic maps are indispensable to understanding earth surface processes and ground-water availability and quality, supporting DOI land management decisions, mitigating hazards, assisting in ecological and climatic monitoring and modeling, and understanding onshore-offshore sediment processes. NCGMP is unique in the Federal Government as it supports the production of most geologic maps in the United States through a successful Federal-State-university partnership.
|
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58, Sec. 351) established the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program in the USGS and outlined the following goals:
- Archive geological, geophysical, and engineering data, maps, well logs, and samples
- Provide a national catalog of archived materials
- Provide technical and financial assistance to State geological surveys and relevant Department of the Interior bureaus for archived materials
|
|
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey